0622. The Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd

The Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd

"The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (Joh_10:11).

"The God of peace, Who brought again from the dead that Great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ" (Heb_13:20).

"And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1Pe_5:4).

1. Jesus Christ, dying, is the Good Shepherd. On Calvary He gives His life for the sheep. The hireling who is not the shepherd seeth the wolves coming and fleeth; but Christ Who loved His sheep, dies in their behalf–Christ, in dying, is more than the Shepherd; He is the door to the sheepfold.

When any seek to enter into the sheepfold by any other door, the same are "thieves and robbers."

2. Jesus Christ our risen and ascended Lord, is the Great Shepherd of the sheep. He loved the Church, and He bought it with His Blood; certainly, He has a right to pastor His own flock.

The Church has no other "head," than the Great Shepherd of the sheep. Among the sheep themselves there are no lords: "All ye are brethren." Pastors, teachers, and evangelists, elders and deacons, are no more than servants of the flock. They are not to "lord it over God’s heritage," but, they are to be an ensample of the flock, and to serve the flock, taking the oversight, not for the love of money, but with a ready mind.

The risen and seated Christ is the Great Shepherd of His flock. He tells the "undershepherds" how to lead His flock and to feed His flock and to seek out the sick of His flock, and how to bring the wandering sheep back to the fold.

3. Jesus Christ, coming again, is the Chief Shepherd of the flock. When He comes, He will lead His flock to everlasting pastures. Even now we can anticipate His coming and hear Him saying: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR